week2( ethical theories)

Question 1

what are ethical theories?

Answer 1

Theses are principles that govern right and wrong behaviors.

Question 2

List the ethical theories

Answer 2

• intuitionism
•consequentialism
• kant deantology
• virtue ethics
• natural law

Question 3

what is intuitionism ?

Answer 3

This is when you use your intuition to make a moral judgement, that often at time comes with personal merit.

Question 4

1. Intuitionism
   Case Study: The Misplaced Charity

A wealthy individual, Sarah, discovers that her charitable donations to a well-known organization are being misused. The organization is using the funds to support political lobbying rather than the intended charitable activities. Sarah feels an intuitive moral obligation to withdraw her support, but she is conflicted because she originally trusted the organization and believes in its mission.

Analysis: Intuitionism suggests that Sarah should rely on her moral intuitions to guide her decision. Her intuition might tell her that continuing to support the organization, despite its misuse of funds, is morally wrong. Therefore, Sarah might conclude that withdrawing her support aligns with her moral intuitions about fairness and proper use of charitable contributions.

Question 5

2. Consequentialism
   Case Study: The Trolley Problem

In the classic trolley problem, a trolley is headed towards five people tied to a track. You can pull a lever to divert the trolley to a different track where only one person is tied. Consequentialism would evaluate the morality of pulling the lever based on the consequences.

Analysis: From a utilitarian perspective, pulling the lever is the right action because it minimizes harm by saving five lives at the cost of one. The focus is on the overall outcome and maximizing positive consequences.

Question 6

3. Virtue Ethics
   Case Study: The Workplace Dilemma

Alex, a manager, notices that a team member, Jordan, is consistently working late hours and appearing stressed. Alex values honesty and compassion. Despite knowing that addressing the issue might be uncomfortable, Alex decides to have a compassionate conversation with Jordan to offer support and explore potential solutions to balance work and personal life.

Analysis: Virtue ethics emphasizes Alex’s character and virtues, such as empathy and integrity. By addressing the issue thoughtfully and with concern for Jordan’s well-being, Alex is demonstrating virtuous behavior, which aligns with the principles of virtue ethics.

Question 7

4. Kantian Deontology
   Case Study: The Honest Employee

Jane, an employee, finds a significant amount of money in the office. She knows that the money belongs to the company and that returning it could lead to an investigation that might negatively impact some colleagues. Kantian deontology would evaluate Jane’s action based on her adherence to duty and moral rules.

Analysis: According to Kantian ethics, Jane has a duty to be honest and uphold the principle of respect for others’ property. Despite the potential consequences, she should return the money because it aligns with her duty to tell the truth and act according to universal moral laws.

Question 8

5. Natural Law
   Case Study: The Medical Experiment

Dr. Lewis conducts a medical experiment that involves testing a new drug on human subjects. The experiment has the potential to provide significant benefits but also poses risks to the participants. Natural law theory, which emphasizes actions that align with human nature and the common good, would evaluate the morality of the experiment based on its alignment with natural human inclinations and the purpose of human life.

Analysis: Natural law would evaluate the morality of the experiment based on whether it respects human dignity and promotes the common good. If the experiment is conducted with proper consent, transparency, and a genuine aim to benefit humanity, it could be considered morally acceptable. However, if it disregards participants’ well-being or their natural rights, it would be deemed unethical.

These case studies illustrate how different ethical theories approach moral dilemmas and guide decision-making.

Question 9

Cons of intuition

Answer 9

• subjectivity
• lack of justification
• changeability
• conflict
• bias and inconsistent

Question 10

cons of consequentialism

Answer 10

• calculation challenges
• ignoring rights
• moral licensing

Question 11

cons of virtue ethics

Answer 11

• lack of action guidelines
• cultural relativity
• ambiguity

Question 12

cons of natural law

Answer 12

• religious basis
• vagueness of natural purposes
• conflict with modern values